RIVERSIDE CITY COLLEGE
Student government creates confusion
ALANA REYES & MARISSA PEREZ
The Associated Students of Riverside City College (ASRCC) has yet to release the results of a college-wide vote to appoint new senators to serve in the legislative branch for the 2025-2026 academic year, despite stating that results would be announced days after.
Through different social outlets, ASRCC stated it planned to announce the winners on two different dates.
On Instagram, it noted the results would be released on Sept. 26. ASRCC later stated via email, “Votes will be tallied and verified and winners will be announced by Tuesday, September 30.”
Viewpoints reporters reached out late last month to the associated students about the results, but received no immediate response. Multiple officers within the student government also did not respond.
Associated Students of RCC learns to operate in Robert’s Rule of Order I feel like I can’t rely on you, - Sierra Moreno “ ”
Viewpoints also searched through the student government officer roster and found that the information provided on its website remained outdated, with information from the 2023-2024 academic year.
Agenda meeting notes were also weeks old, along with multiple vacancies in the various
branches of government, according to its site.
The ASRCC government websites states the following: “Section 8 – Election Oversight: The ASRCC Supreme Court shall be responsible for the oversight of all the ASRCC elections, including creating the Elections timeline and overseeing all matters relating to the elections process up to the confirmation of results.”
In addition, the group is responsible for assembling, making available and promoting election packets for the entire student body, as well as counting the votes and posting results.
During the Oct. 7 meeting, ASRCC senators attempted to follow the Roberts Rules of Order, which guides participants during a meeting so every speaker gets a fair turn at speaking.
The process became chaotic as senators did not follow the rules of order. The room’s atmosphere intensified as additional motions were requested to table the
appointment of justices to a further date.
Eventually, student Kira White was confirmed the chief justice of the ASRCC Supreme Court by unanimous ASRCC senate vote.
Soon after the senate meeting ended, the executive branch called its own meeting to order. The agenda for that meeting included recaps of homecoming and recent student body activities.
But tension in the room ensued as members voiced their concerns about turnouts at the events.
Concerns were raised by Sierra Moreno, director of the Interclub Council, that volunteers had no clear instructions and were not provided with guidance during the homecoming event.
There have been instances documented by Viewpoints where the associated students have lacked communication with their members regarding events.
A previous story by Viewpoints emphasized students’ concerns and the student government’s apparent disorganization.
Moreno was mainly in charge of working through homecoming even though it wasn’t her job.
She said that there was a lack of communication when guiding
volunteers. Most of the executive board agreed.
“I feel like I can’t rely on you,” Moreno said to the president of ASRCC.
However, at the ASRCC senate meeting on Oct. 21 attended by a Viewpoints reporter, business was conducted in a calm, orderly manner. Students Shanell Davis and Brooklyn Najera were confirmed as associate chief justices.
At the same meeting Megan Bottoms, associate professor and coordinator of student activities presented a training on the importance of following the Brown Act, which guarantees the public’s right to attend and participate in meetings of local legislative bodies.
Funding cuts for HSI: No cause for panic at RCC
AARON FRIESEN
NEWS EDITOR
Riverside Community College
District Chancellor Wolde-Ab Isaac said at a Sept. 16 Board of Trustees meeting that California is stepping up to fill in budget gaps created by cuts in federal aid to Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
Chancellor for California Community Colleges (CCC)
Sonya Christian took a survey of the 116 Community Colleges in Calif. and found 90% of them are Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
“Still, she doesn’t want anyone to panic,” Isaac said.
The CCC can use a one-time $60 million Student Support
Block Grant to the California state budget for 2025-2026 to offset the impacts of the U.S. Department of Education cuts to HSI funding.
The cuts to federal HSI funding were announced last month by DOE Secretary Linda McMahon in response to a U.S. Solicitor General’s determination declaring HSI programs violate the Fifth Amendment.
“The Department agrees that the racial quotas in the HSI programs are unconstitutional,” said McMahon in her Sept. 2025
MARISSA PEREZ| VIEWPOINTS
President Latiesha Williams, second from left, Advisor Megan Bottoms and President Myisha Jackson
MAC WILSON| VIEWPOINTS
ASST. NEWS EDITOR & MANANGING EDITOR
The Technology B building in the lowerside of campus at Riverside City College.
October 23, 2025
Editor: Aaron Friesen | Viewpoints@rcc.edu
Protesters return for ‘No Kings’ part two
BREANNE SOTO
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Thousands of protesters flocked to the city of Riverside to participate in the nationwide “No Kings” protest on Oct. 18.
The participants marched along downtown Riverside’s blocks while playing music, dancing and waving handmade signs to denounce President Donald Trump’s administration, immigration enforcement and the deployment of the national guard in Democrat-run cities across the country.
Stephanie Silva came with her family to push back against Trump and his appointed officials.
They hope their presence can convince government officials to listen to the interests of the majority of Americans and not those of the few ultra-wealthy.
“Whether it be a citizen or non-citizen, the current administration and their points of view are hurting specific groups of people,” she said.
Attendees rolled in at 5 p.m. in front of the Mission Inn, as others began to march by the Riverside Fox Theater. Cars drove through
the intersection of Mission Avenue and Market Street, honking their horns in solidarity with the march.
The protest officially started at 5:30 p.m. after a speech by justice advocate Jacob Daruvala and city commissioner Aram Ayra, who is also running for Riverside’s Ward 2, in front of the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art and Culture.
Crowds formed on both sides of the Mission Inn as people chanted “All power to the people, no human is illegal,” across from the Mission Galleria antique mall.
“What brought me out here today is simply the fact I don’t think we should have a king (in office),” said first-time protester Louis Roa.
He felt this protest was the perfect opportunity to express the frustration many people have been feeling against the policy makers of the country.
Multiple protests took place across the Inland Empire in cities including Moreno Valley and Corona. In Ontario, over 1,000 people attended within the first hour.
Media Relations Specialist Kris Lovekin from Indivisible Riverside estimated 4,000 participants took to the streets this time in downtown Riverside.
The Riverside chapter of Indivisible, a nationwide movement, organized Riverside’s protest. The group puts effort into resisting the Trump administration and is advocating for progressive policies.
Although the increase in immigration enforcement was the subject of contention used by some protesters, various demographics came out to support the resistance. People came in families and friend groups, all varying in ages.
Lovekin recalled seeing attendees as young as kids in strollers, to folks who were around to remember Woodstock.
Other attendees came dressed in costumes and accessories for the event.
“I think they’re fun,” said Rocio Fierros, a mother who came dressed as a dinosaur, holding the flag of California, “It’s so Californian of me to do this.”
Ahead of the protest, the Riverside chapter was in contact with the Riverside Police Department, informing them of their routes for the march.
Public information officer Ryan Railsback ensured the police department made efforts to keep the protesters safe.
“We’re aware of the planned
protest and will have officers present to ensure everyone’s safety,” Railsback said, “Our department remains firmly committed to protecting First Amendment rights, maintaining public order and safeguarding both people and property.”
Businesses were still open in downtown Riverside and their customers seemed to be unbothered by the peaceful protest.
Most of the crowds were formed in front of the Cheech and the crosswalk of the pedestrian mall, away from the restaurants and bars.
Protesters had plans for safety as the sun went down. Fierros had her phone by her side at all times, so she could call and track the location of her family if they were to go their own ways.
“We all know where the car is,” she said, “So if we get separated, then we have a point of reference.”
The first nationwide protest on June 14 had millions of participants, partly because it was on the same day as President Trump’s 79th birthday and the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary parade.
This time, over 7 million people nationwide joined to protest at more than 2,700 events in the country.
Transfer season is upon college students at RCCD
The Riverside Community College District shows an importance on the transfer season throughout the month of October with events.
Transfer fairs at Riverside City College and Moreno Valley College highlight university application workshops and colleges make visitations on campus to help students through the transfer process.
The transfer fair, which is held twice a year, occurred on Sept. 25 which was held in the A.G. Paul Quadrangle at RCC.
MVC had a transfer fair of their own on Oct. 7 inside the Student Academic Services, with their Transfer Coordinator Dean Steckman reporting a turnout of 29 colleges.
“To me I think that’s a nice way to introduce students through these big events,” RCC Transfer Coordinator Lupe Delgadillo said.
Delgadillo explains a minimum of 0 transferable units are needed to transfer. However,
she shared that you can have a maximum of 70 transferable units but it varies depending on acceptance and university.
“Our goal is to try to get you to transfer as soon as you hit the 60 (credit) mark.” she said.
She later rolls into explaining the application process.
California State University applications cost $70, while University of California applications cost $80. Delgadillio explained that students are eligible for a fee waiver.
“When you disclose your income, it lets you know if you’ve qualified for the waiver. If you
qualify for the waiver, you can actually apply to four universities for free.”
If a student is thinking of applying to one or more CSUs or UCs, the waiver can be very beneficial in making the application process cheaper, Delgadillio explained.
At RCC, CSU and UC workshops took place earlier this month with one more scheduled for Oct. 30. It will take place in STEM MLK Room 306.
A transfer application workshop catered towards veterans takes place on Oct. 28 in Music Room 105.
California set to vote on Prop 50
LOUIS TOZSER NEWS REPORTER
Early next month, voters across California will go to the polls to decide the fate of “The Election Rigging Response Act” or more commonly referred to as Prop 50.
But what is Prop 50?
According to the office of Shirley Weber, the California Secretary of State, it is a legislative-led proposition that would “require (the) temporary use of new congressional district maps through 2030 (and will) direct (the) independent Citizens Redistricting Commission to resume enacting congressional district maps in 2031.”
It will also “establish (a) policy supporting (the establishment of) nonpartisan redistricting commissions nationwide.”
But how would it impact the people of Riverside County, and what does a vote for either yes or no mean?
A yes vote, according to the Secretary of State’s office, will mean that the voter approves of “the state (using) new, legislatively drawn congressional district maps starting in 2026 (and that) California’s new maps would be used until the California Citizens Redistricting Commission draws new maps (in 2031) following the 2030 U.S. census.”
From a local perspective, Viewpoints had a chance to speak with Marc McClain, a founding member of the Democratic Populist, an off-shoot branch of the Democratic Party, who said that “the principle here is consistency” and that “we continue to stand by” the fair system that Californians (had) built.
Delgadillo expanded on more questions that a student may have. Another one being, how does the application process look like if students want to apply out of state.
Since the workshops are primarily geared towards CSU’s and UC’s, Delgadillo recommends students to talk to the university directly.
Students can gain accurate info if their major is offered and the cost of tuition as an out of state student.
She emphasizes that students forget to apply for the California General Education Transfer Curriculum.
The Intersegmental Committee of the Academic Senate is a program designed for California Community College students to fulfill lower-division general education requirements necessary for transfer and admission to both CSU and the UC.
Delgadillo advises applying for this certificate, as it can lower the general education classes a student takes. She also encourages
A no vote, according to the office of Secretary of State, will mean that the voter will be opposed to the proposition and will be in support of using the “current congressional district maps drawn by the California Citizens Redistricting Commission (and the current maps will) continue to be used in California until the Commission draws new maps following the 2030 census.”
In a local sense, Viewpoints reached out to Assemblywoman Leticia Castillo (R-Home Gardens) of the 58th Assembly District, which includes Riverside County. She said that Proposition 50 is being sold as a simple fix, but in reality it expands state power in ways that could hurt working families and small businesses.
“I’m especially concerned about the unnecessary $250 million price tag for this special election, money that could instead be used to fully fund Proposition 36 and make our communities safer,” Castillo said. “In AD-58, we’re already struggling with affordability and overregulation. My focus is on protecting families, not growing government. I think the governor is pushing Prop 50 because Sacramento wants more control, but the people I represent want more transparency.” According to Ballotpedia, the
Students at the transfer fair on campus on Sept. 25.
MAC WILSON| VIEWPOINTS
Inland Empire residents fill the streets of Downtown Riverside to protest at the “No Kings” event on Oct. 18.
ALANA COLETTA | VIEWPOINTS
ROMAN DAVISON PHOTOGRAPHY REPORTER
RCCD to fill deputy chancellor role
Final candidates for top admin position hold public forums
NEWS EDITOR : AARON FRIESEN, STAFF REPORTERS : OSCAR PALAFOX, ROMAN DAVISON AND JESSICA SANCHEZ
Three final candidates for the Riverside City College District deputy chancellor & provost position spoke and fielded questions from the college community at all three RCCD campuses from Oct. 15 through Oct. 17 to give the chancellor input on the candidates during the selection process.
The Deputy Chancellor and Provost (DCP) position oversees district operations and acts as acting chancellor in the chancellor’s absence, according to the job description.
Among the DCP’s priorities are to create programs to close equity gaps and boost degree completion and transfers, collaborate with college presidents to increase dual enrollment of K-12 students and expand “high-demand, high skill, and high pay” Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
Viewpoints sent reporters to forums given by each of the candidates—Star Rivera-Lacey, Wei Zhou and Marilyn Flores—to report on what they had to say. We’ve recapped them for you here and they can be found in full on RCC’s YouTube channel.
STAR RIVERA-LACEY
Star Rivera-Lacey, Ph.D., is the superintendent/president of Palomar Community College District in San Marcos, California.
Rivera-Lacey started her higher-education journey as a low-income and first-generation college student at Mira Costa College, eventually earning her Ph.D. in Education from Claremont Graduate University.
Assemblymember Darshana Patel named Rivera-Lacey District 76’s 2025 Distinguished Woman of the Year.
Her personal background as a low-income, first-generation Community College student of immigrant parents shaped her.
“It’s important to understand the culture of an insititution.”
- Star Rivera-Lacey
“That experience informs everything I do—how I lead, how I listen and how I advocate for students,” Rivera-Lacey said.
Rivera-Lacey said collaborations and integrity are important to making decisions “rooted in compassion and fairness,” and emphasized the importance of student-centered leadership, transparency and building community trust.
Her first months in any new position are spent learning and listening from faculty, staff and students to see what’s working well. “It’s important to understand the culture of an institution before creating change,” she said.
Rivera-Lacey also expressed her belief that diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) are central to effective leadership, noting that community colleges serve as gateways for social and economic mobility.
If selected Dr. Star said she plans to continue fostering partnerships that connect students to local industries and support nontraditional learners.
WEI ZHOU
Wei Zhou, Ph.D., has extensive administrative experience in districts with more than one campus and Hispanic-Serving Institutions like RCCD.
His resume includes dean, vice president and president positions at Community Colleges in the San Francisco Bay Area, Central Valley, Inland Empire, Los Angeles and San Diego.
Zhou has a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Texas.
With a humble manner, Zhou said at his RCC forum how much of an honor it was to even be on the RCC campus, emphasizing the long history RCC has had as an institution and his passion for RCC’s success.
“I care very much about what RCC has accomplished,” Zhou said.
As a first-generation high school and college graduate, Zhou said he understands the importance education has on society and possibilities for profitable economic outcomes.
Zhou said RCC’s biggest need is finding connections, partnerships, apprenticeship programs, updated facilities and resources to help better support the students.
“RCC is the benchmark for the State…we want RCC to stay as the benchmark,” Zhou said.
Zhou put extra emphasis on the
“RCC is the benchmark for the state.”
- Wei Zhou
faulty’s crucial role in the success of an institution, saying their needs must be heard—be it funding, professional development, up-todate curriculum—so they can better support RCCD students.
MARILYN FLORES
Marilyn Flores, Ph.D., was most recently the superintendent/ president of Río Hondo College in Whittier from 2022-2025.
Flores is a proud first-generation college student and earned her Ph.D. in Institutional Leadership and Policy Studies from University of California, Riverside.
Flores has been honored as Educator of the Year at the Inland Empire Hispanic Image Awards.
At her open forum at RCC Flores said she “fell in love with the community college system,” at RCC, pointing to her previous eight years of administrative work at RCC from 2004-2012.
“If we don’t make connections in
“I think it’s very important to have somebody that represents them.”
- Marilyn Flores
the community, we disenfranchise it.” Flores said.
Flores recalled her success with apprenticeship programs at Rancho Santiago Community College District—which she said is “leading the demonstration project model for the apprenticeship program”—to talk about promoting them at RCC.
In an interview with Viewpoints after the forum, Flores spoke about how she enjoys bringing people together and providing them support.
Flores wants students to feel included, well represented and to feel comfortable speaking with her about any concerns they might have. Having a leader that looks like them helps.
“I think it’s very important to have somebody that represents them,” Flores said.
NEWS BRIEFS
September
RCCD and UCR celebrate joint project: On Sept. 29, the Riverside Community College District and UC Riverside celebrated the launch of the North District 2 housing complex, a groundbreaking cooperation in which community college and university students can reside and learn together. The project was completed in 21 months.
October
MVC offers free dental care: Moreno Valley dental students provide care under professional licensed supervision. The Dental Hygiene Clinic at MVC’s Dental Education Center delivers free diagnostic and beneficial dental care to RCCD students and community members. To schedule a visit or learn more, call 951-571-6431 or email dentalhygiene@mvc.edu.
Riverside City Council approves ID requirement and mask ban for federal agents: Riverside City Council voted 4-3 on Oct.14 to adopt a resolution obligating federal immigration agents to identify themselves. The proposal prohibits agents from concealing their identities with masks. The resolution was a response to the increasing reports of immigration enforcement operations within Riverside.
November
Vote on Prop. 50 by Nov.4: Riverside County has made voting more accessible with various options for the upcoming election, including mail-in ballots, official ballot drop boxes and in-person voting at official vote centers. For details on the drop boxes or vote centers go to the Registrar of Voters’ website at www.voteinfo. net or call 951-486-7200.
RCCAS working to make textbooks more affordable
JESSICA
SANCHEZ OPINIONS REPORTER
Textbooks are costly and troubling students at the beginning of every semester. Maybe your FAFSA hasn’t hit your bank account, your professor hasn’t sent a link to get the textbook or you just do not have the means to purchase resources for your courses.
At the Academic Senate meeting on Oct. 20, Sally Ellis, a senator on the Course Materials Affordability Committee, spoke about the needs and developments within the committee and is working to make school more affordable.
Ellis talked about how the committee has been under multiple different managements and has maybe strayed away from its intended goals and values at points. Now, they are dedicated to serving the students and finding ways to make learning more accessible and affordable.
“We are a group of people who feel that, in my opinion, the best step you can take toward equity in class is to adopt an OER textbook,” said Ellis. An OER text book is an open education resource, copyright free and available to the public, making them much cheaper or sometimes free.
There are only three elected members of the committee (with one on sabbatical) and the rest are supporting it because of their passion for the cause, Ellis said. The committee is working on expanding and electing more members. Ellis proposed the idea of appointing those who already attend the meetings to official positions.
The state Chancellor’s office and the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges is helping fund CMAC with money used to promote OER to community colleges and encourage professors to incorporate them in their courses.
This funding is also being used to create Zero-Textbook-Cost and OER pathways to make students academic fees close to or maybe even zero. The state is heavily encouraging CMAC and its goals and wants to put it into effect as soon as possible and many other colleges have already added this.
“There are campuses and colleges that are so far ahead of us. We have not, maybe from the top down put a lot of focus on this,” Ellis said.
A necessary position for CMAC is an OER liaison. This is a position that would go to state meetings.
CMAC does not currently have
a liaison so Ellis stepped in to take the survey using collected data from RCCD. She found that RCC does have a ZTC pathway that can fulfill the California General Education Transfer Curriculum. She explains that the data may not be 100% reliable because it was from a self reported survey, but she was overall very optimistic about these findings.
Then she continued to introduce a document on the agenda that was now a part of the California Code of Regulation.
This document stresses the importance of ZTC, OER materials in courses and says that students should have access to whatever resources they might need on day one of classes without need for funds.
“The OER movement was predicated on accessibility and equity, representation, and culturally relevant material. Adopt an OER,” said Ellis.
JESSICA SANCHEZ | VIEWPOINTS Marilyn Flores at the RCC forum.
JESSICA SANCHEZ | VIEWPOINTS
Riverside City College Academic Senate meets on Oct. 20.
ROMAN DAVISON | VIEWPOINTS Wei Zhou at the RCC fourm.
MARISSA PEREZ | VIEWPOINTS
Star Rivera-Lacey at the RCC forum.
October 23, 2025
‘No Kings’ had energy of family barbecue
GRACE ESQUIBEL LIFE EDITOR
In a place where many expressed their concerns for the state of the world, there were still fleeting moments of smiles, communion and dancing. Music and instruments were the choice of peaceful weaponry as a form of resistance at the “No Kings” protest in Downtown Riverside on Oct. 18. While culture was displayed through line dancing, protest signs and native instruments.
Many were loud and proud about their heritage as you saw several different flags waving throughout the streets including American, Mexican, Israeli and Norwegian flags.
Protest signs showcased the significance of culture with phrases such as “Jews for democracy.”
Many displayed signs related to the pressures from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) about being immigrants themselves, with one attendee wearing an alien mask holding a sign that said “I’m an alien. Deport me.”
While others used their musical talent to protest. A musician who asked to keep his name anonymous was banging on a bom bom drum with a Shamanic rattle, as he described it as commonly used by Danzantes Aztec dancers that maintain the artform of his ancestors Mēxihcah tribe.
“It’s a type of prayer, it’s a type of intention, it’s a type of art and exercise too,” he said. “There was a type of protest or warfare called floricanto. That was (to) come together and have a duel with rivals through the arts, through music and dancing.”
This protester was chanting and banging on his drums in honor of his ancestors in hopes that he could display ceremonies once used by his people to embark on change.
“Coming together in person,
not online, but in person and experiencing common value together is building community,” he said. “With that, we can start healing our society that is fragmented like a broken bowl and we can start gluing the pieces together by sharing our talents and our energy,” he said.
Near the anonymous protestor, a man was singing “There are no kings in America, just tyrants with felonies,” in front of the Cheech Center for Chicano Art and Culture.
As other attendees in the distance were heard chanting in unison, “Hey, hey. Ho ho. Donald Trump has got to go!”
One man rode through the Downtown Riverside streets on a bike with an American flag flying behind him, his speakers blasting “FDT,” a song created by rapper YG with lyrics, “F--k
Huego Ramos was line dancing to “No rompas mi corazón” with a Mexican flag draped across his back. He’s a local artist who composes original Latin pop.
“Maraichi grows in my roots,” he said. “Whenever I hear something that calls my name in a cultural sense, I gotta show up.”
Despite the feeling of separation that many expressed they were confronting as a result of the current government, many families and friends were seen protesting together.
Vicky Bush and her daughter Erica Campos were on Market Street holding up a sign that said “No kings. Yas queens.”
“I have three daughters and I am fighting for their rights,” Campos said. “All of us know we’re not alone.”
“They want us to be scared,”
Bush said. “But here, the feeling of camaraderie and community is really amazing.”
Suzanne Singer, safety monitor volunteer, was wrapping up the protest, ensuring everyone was on the sidewalks of the street.
She mentioned, as a Rabbi and Jewish descendant, how this has been affecting her culturally.
“My mother was a survivor of (the) Auschwitz concentration camp. So, the idea that there are ICE agents picking up people off the street and sending them to detention centers is so resonate of what happened in Europe in the ’30s and ’40s,” Singer said. “I don’t feel like I’m doing enough but I’m doing something.”
A prominent theme of cultural differences having the ability to unite under the same common goal rang throughout the protest.
“ ” We can start healing our society that is fragmented like a broken bowl and we can start gluing the pieces together by sharing our talents and our energy. - Anonymous protester
Editor: Grace Esquibel Viewpoints@rcc.edu
‘In the Heights’ inside look
VIOLET DAWSON LIFE REPORTER
Riverside City College Theater Arts Fall-Winter 2025 season has begun. To start off the season, RCC is in development of their Fall musical “In the Heights” composed by LinManuel Miranda. This Tony Award winning production tells a story of the Latin American community, taking place in the early 2000s of Washington Heights, a vibrant neighborhood in New York City.
Auditions for this show began on Aug. 26, in the Landis Auditorium. Nearly 100 students auditioned for this show, and a fair number of these students were familiar with it. In fact a few students had done this show before, so for a lot of these students it was an opportunity to do it again.
Auditions required singing of 1632 measures of music, and followed up with a dance audition, choreographed by Brenda Castillo. The audition cut was to the song “96,000.”
The choreo was a hip-hop style audition dance, with lots of sharp yet fluid movements requiring the whole body. Because there were so many at the auditions, unfortunately not everyone could get cast in the show.
Out of all of those students, only a third of those students were cast in this production, 12 primaries and 23 dance ensemble. Rehearsal dates are from Sept. 3 to Oct. 29 while tech rehearsals are from Oct. 25 to Oct. 28.
“Usually a day or two before auditions, Brenda will send out the audition cut for the choreography. When I saw it, there were all these really sharp movements, it was crazy.” Emilio Rasilla, the student cast as Usnavi De La Vega, said.
Rasilla mentioned he spent hours learning the dance combo with his cast mate Bella Ramirez and was with her when they both got the call, telling them they made the show.
Emilio’s mindset when walking into an audition is to look at it like one big party, to keep a positive mindset the entire time.
However, Ramirez has performed for “In the Heights” before, so her expectations were different.
“It was very high stakes, and I came in really wanting to be in this show , and I really wanted Nina. So, it felt like there was a lot of pressure on that part, but it also felt like a big part of the process. The audition is just the first step, no matter where it goes,” she said.
Within a day or two following auditions, the calls and emails went out to people letting them know whether they made it or not.
“It was very emotional for me when they contacted me, because it’s my dream role and Vanessa’s someone that I’ve wanted to play for years and to be able to share my culture and share my background with everyone while I’m onstage
MAC WILSON| VIEWPOINTS
Donald Trump.”
Inland Empire residents dances during the “No Kings” event on Oct. 18.
RCC’s culinary program continues to serve
ALINA GOMEZ ASST. OPINIONS EDITOR
Welcome to Riverside City College’s hotspot for culinary excellence – where kitchens are always moving, food is always fresh, and students are learning new skills and thriving under a high-speed environment. This program is anchored by a liveworking restaurant that provides an experience of an actual kitchen, giving students a taste of the intensity, rhythm.
A program to immerse you into the world of culinary arts as you prepare for the future in both professionalism of the kitchen and the blurring line of artistry and food.
Under the leadership of Instructors Chef Gisien Bao and Chef Noel Barragal, it is a unique culinary institution that mixes realworld creativity and university
training, all into the kitchen. The restaurant is rooted in making sure students get the opportunity to be more than just a chef– they are trained to adapt and be resilient as creative professionals.
The center is an outdoor live classroom experience where students rotate through each role, from line cook to server to kitchen manager, under the pace and professionalism often demanded in the restaurant industry.
The program has two levels of classes, Bao, teaches the beginner class at levels 36, a friendly approach to instruction. Barragal provides a debt beginner class for new learners.
Students are prompted to self identify their customer, creating food with heart and soul. Along with technical skills, adaptability, customer service, taking turns in front-of-house jobs, becoming involved in hosting, interacting
with customers and connecting back to guests’ experience.
A main focus on student success is designing curriculum that is career-oriented and provides pathways into careers in food service management and restaurant entrepreneurship. This way graduates can leave with a varied portfolio of skill and experience, after the curriculum they are not only ready to work in kitchens but equipped to lead them as well. Learning experiences are hands-on.
“They are very much involved in every single process of this whole facility,” said Bao.
While devising prep sheets, tracking inventory, estimating and figuring out cost of recipes during live service. This level of involvement shows a balance of consistency with creativity, and how to manage multitasking with the accountability of working collaboratively under time restraints.
When it comes to planning out menus, every Thursday, Barragal shares a new menu packet, all students are assigned to a different station whether it be cold sandwiches, salads, soup etc. No matter the level – the preparations begin Monday to be service ready on Tuesday, a menu of about 95% of everything is made from scratch there behind the scenes. Such as handmade pasta for the showstopping Chicken Marsala that Barragal spoke so fondly about.
Depending on what is available for the week, the cycle teaches adaptability and reinforces the concept of working with local and in-season fresh produce. Upcoming chefs are learning to approach menu development while keeping the customer in mind, creating menus with delicious options. Beyond the pressure of expectations, still remains a nurturing atmosphere, where educators like Barragal and Bao mentor students through stress, helping them discover their strengths. In that energy, they not only perform action—but they begin to understand their trajectory as professionals in the culinary arts.
Techniques are the foundation to the kitchen and a thriving restaurant, teaching students how
Lime Street bridge celebrates local artists
JAYLEN WHITE MULTIMEDIA REPORTER
Patricia Locke Dawson, mayor of Riverside, held a celebration for the Lime Street Bridge Mural on Sept. 30 to honor the work done by the two artists, Patrick Barwinski and Juan Navarro.
“The Lime Street Bridge is a landmark in motion; it’s the first mural to span across a roadway in Riverside,” said Dawson.“It’s a gateway to our Arts and Culture District.”
to fillet a fish or how to build flavor by sauteing and more.
Providing more beyond the plate as instructors advocate for experimentation, Bao introduces the process of fermenting foods. Such as pickling vegetables, making drinks and curing meats.
Creating an open setting to understand the science of flavor and traditions of cooking.
It’s no surprise that a kitchen can be stressful, but at RCC stress is shifted to be part of the learning process. Support and communication are viewed as main attributes.
“A little bit of stress goes a long way when there is someone there to help you grow through that stress,” said Barragal.
Student Rachel Bitney shared her insight of working at the restaurant.
“I have worked in the front house and back for kitchen cleaning, and it’s definitely not a stress free environment but I think that’s what makes it worthwhile,” she said.
Observing the family relations brought into the venue, a mix of real-world expectations and supportive context is what sets the program apart. Students like Bitney are challenged to step outside their comfort zones, but will never be expected to do it alone.
The learning doesn’t stop at the doors of the kitchen but circling back to the community.
Culinary Arts Restaurant engages with the community in notable ways – dining in are families getting together from the neighborhood, local business and locals offering outputs to procure fresh produce and ingredients.
With a student-run restaurant, it’s able to provide the public with access to affordable, highquality meals with purpose by students. The public, faculty and locals all sample seasonal menus curated by students. As well as support local food initiatives, create partnerships with various local organizations, and host or participate in culinary events that raise awareness of student talent. All in which increase food education and career pathways.
The Arts and Culture District spans from Market to Lime Street and Tenth to Third Street. The Mural symbolizes connecting the district as a whole.
Patrick Barwinski and Juan Navarro worked for around 3-4 months until they finished the mural.
They focused on captivating, meaningful objects to the city of Riverside such as the Magnolia flower which is the main part of the entire mural.
Barwinski, who grew up in Riverside since childhood, said he thinks the mural outside the library is what first made him fall in love with art.
“It’s a full circle moment getting this opportunity here in Riverside,” said Barwinski.
This was Barwinski’s first project in downtown Riverside, and you can find more of his work on Park Avenue.
Navarro, who was described
It’s a gateway to our Arts and Culture District . “ ”
by Barwinski as the hardest-working muralist he’s ever met, talked more about how much he enjoyed the process of watching the mural come together and said that they worked as long as 15-18 hours.
“One comment on social media really touched my heart, and it was this woman who said her father walked across the bridge every day for forty years, and unfortunately, he isn’t here with us today, but hopefully is smiling down from Heaven,” said Navarro.
This bridge has a lot of sentimental value to not just the two artists, Navarro and Barwinski, but the entire city of Riverside.
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ALINA GOMEZ | VIEWPOINTS
Students in the Culinary program at Riverside City College set up for lunch at Culinary Arts on Oct. 15.
ALINA GOMEZ | VIEWPOINTS
Riverside City College student chefs collaborate over techniques during class time at Culinary Arts on Oct. 15.
Pick your buttons at the ‘Coraline’ market
MARISSA LIEVANOS NEWS REPORTER
October is here in the Inland Empire, and with it comes all the ghosts and ghouls of Halloween spirit.
The month has brought excitement for the holiday season back to Riverside, with dozens of spooky events popping up around the city to embrace the spirit of fall.
On Oct. 11, Pocket Change Pop-up’s hosted a Tim Burton and ‘Coraline’ themed market. They invited local vendors to come out and sell items from thrifted goods to horror themed tattoos and other various handmade items.
The event was hosted at the Raincross District in downtown Riverside. Various racks of vintage clothing lined the walls as people shuffled between aisles to look at clothing and trendy spreads.
Customized Sonny Angels and ‘Coraline’ pins littered the tables, bringing a trendy charm to the market.
Destiny Torres, owner of Pocket Change Pop-up’s, is a familiar face in the night market scene. Her story spares an inspiring glance at the opportunities that come with being a vendor and developing that into becoming a store owner.
The ‘Coraline’ theme was chosen to coincide with the spooky season, with vendors encouraged to sell clothes and jewelry that correlated with things like buttons, crochet and black cats.
“My favorite vendor here today is probably the embroidery table, they made some really cool ‘Coraline’ and Tim Burton items,” said Torres.
The market also offered the work of multiple tattoo artists. One artist, who prefers to go by the name Lucky, praised the market’s ability to provide not only great business, but an extra dynamic to the tattoo scene. It provides the spontaneous aspect of tattooing to an audience it can rarely catch.
Ruby Perez, owner of Divine Thrift, was one of the many people who sold clothing at this event. She puts a personalized tag on each piece to advertise her store with each purchase sold. The items are all locally thrifted and resold. Pocket Change is one of her favorite stores to work with because of their audience and friendliness. Perez has been contacted to work with Torres multiple times in the past.
Not only does the market bring business to these sellers, but it also brings business to the city.
Karina Gutierrez and Tyler Rodiles traveled from two hours away to visit the pop-up. Staying at a hotel down the street from the venue, they praised the city’s mix of rural and urban charm. They were very interested in supporting the local vendors and giving back to the community they are visiting.
“We’re from El Centro, but heard about (the event) on
Instagram. I come up here a lot for local scene shows, but this is my first time coming to something like this,” said Rodiles.
Breana Maal grew up in the area, but is unfamiliar with the new scene of night markets.
Hearing about the event on TikTok, she decided to bring a
friend and skim the wide array of vintage CDs and records being sold.
The cool vibe being advertised was met, but she remarked how crowded the space was and recommended a bigger area to provide room for the crowds of people.
Gloomy weather complemented ‘Tim Burton Tuesday’
Scissorhands’
GRACE ESQUIBEL LIFE EDITOR
The cold crisp autumn air was ideal weather for friends and couples to cozy up to watch a Tim Burton film at the Farmhouse Collective.
The Oct. 14 showing of ‘Edward Scissorhands,’ drizzle or shine, reigned in a crowd of about a dozen.
The Farmhouse Collective kickstarted the spooky season with “Tim Burton Tuesdays” on the first Tuesday of October with the ‘Big Fish showing.’
The collective hosts themed movie nights year round that range from family films to rom-coms, all free of admission.
Lizzy Gurrola, bartender at
the collective, explained the event was a small turnout but mentioned the success of other movie nights, hopeful for the other “Tim Burton Tuesdays.”
“Its not the best weather to sell beer,” she said.
‘Edward Scissorhands’ is about a troubled character who was kept locked away for all of his life after being created by a scientist.
He’s taken in by a suburban family, but his unusual nature creates drama within the community.
Fernando Lopez, an attendee at the showing expressed why he resonated with Edwards character as he was watching a scene of the movie.
“He’s misunderstood. People
assume he’s a monster just because of the way he looks,” he said. “I could connect with Edward in that way. Yeah, you may look different from the outside but it doesn’t make you different from anyone else.”
Tim Burton began directing movies in 1983 and has created a large fan base since then. His fan base is still growing especially, with the Wednesday series that he co-produces.
Some themes that are persistent throughout his films consist of mystical nature, dark themes, vibrant colors and uniquely weird characters.
“The way how (Tim Burton) uses colors is so beautiful,” Lopez said. “You can take any shot and it’s
Editor: Grace Esquibel
like its own art gallery.”
Avery Flores, a longtime Tim Burton fan emphasised how she related to characters like ‘Corpse Bride’ and her admiration for their iconic look.
“I love the way the characters all appear, the big eyes, the tired look. I love that. I think that is so me,” Torres said.
‘Corpse Bride’ is a tragic story about a bride who is awoken from the underworld after mistaking a ring for her, but to her surprise it was not, leaving her in an unfortunate love triangle.
“We’ve all been there!” she said “It happens to a lot of girls.”
While Ariana Torres, her friend, resonated more with ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ character Sally.
The film explores Halloween and Christmas in a dark and twisted way with an underlying love story plot between the main character Jack Skellington and Sally.
“Just because she is an A-1 yearner,” Torres said. “She was plotting.”
“Tim Burton Tuesdays” will continue until Oct. 28 with showings more classic films such as ‘Beetlejuice’ and ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas.’ Other Halloween events to look out for are the Oct. 29 Hocus Pocus paint and sip night and on Oct. 31 there will be Gvlloween, a dark wave music performance with a costume contest.
Oct. 1-31
31 Screams on Screen Classic horror film fans have an array of movies and showtimes to choose from at the Riverside Plaza Regal theater this October. The theater is featuring a different horror film each day of the month with tickets that will include varying discounted concessions.
Oct. 24
Halloween Town Riverside City College’s Quadrangle will be transformed to a Halloween Town filled with candy and a spooky maze from 5 - 8 p.m. Children ages 12 and under will be able to trick or treat and enter the costume contest at the free event with food available for purchase.
Oct. 24
Día de los Muertos Market Night
Get your face paint on and shop from 20 local vendors while enjoying live mariachi music on Friday. Mundial, a coffee shop on Spruce Street, is hosting the themed market night in its parking lot from 5 - 9 p.m.
Oct. 25
Growl-O-Ween “The Ultimutt Halloween Pawty” Two and four-legged children are welcomed by Three Dog Bakery to dress up and get candy or treats from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will be held at the dog bakery’s Mission Grove location and feature a costume contest for humans and dogs, as well as $20 “pawdicures” (nail trims) from 12 - 3 p.m.
Oct. 25
Pumpkins and Prosecco
The Refinery Pilates Studio is hosting a pumpkin-themed event following one of its mat pilates classes. Book the class for entry and purchase a ticket that will include a pumpkin painting contest, personal pizza, and prosecco, for those over the age of 21. The festivities will take place at the studio on Sunnyside Drive from 4 - 6 p.m.
Oct. 28
Harvest Festival: Trunk or Treat
Attend the fourth annual Trunk or Treat at the California School for the Deaf on Horace Street to load up on candy. From 57:30 p.m. there will be games, a bake sale, and a haunted house to explore in the campus’ gymnasium and parking lot.
All of these events are subject to change.
If you have events happening on campus that you want featured, send information about the event to viewpoints@ rcc.edu.
BRIANA FRANCO | VIEWPOINTS
The Farmhouse Collective shows ‘Edward
for its “Tim Burton Tuesdays” Halloween itinerary on Oct. 14.
MARISSA LIEVANOS | VIEWPOINTS
Destiny “Lucky” Torres posts up with ‘Coraline’ inspired tattoos at the ‘Coraline’ themed market in Riverside on Oct. 11.
Editor: Grace Esquibel| Viewpoints@rcc.edu
‘Ghost of Yōtei’ is a familiar, but triumphant sequel
VICTOR LEDBETTER JR. OPINIONS EDITOR
“Ghost of Tsushima” is one of my favorite games I have ever played. It was the game that refined most of the problems of modern open-world games and it led to this being my comfort game for a while. So when the follow up “Ghost of Yōtei” was announced late last year, I was jumping up and down at the nearby library. I was expecting something a bit similar to its predecessor, like a typical sequel would play out, but with mission design elements and other things that would be improved upon.
I got exactly that and a bit more. I mean, there are some notable changes, without spoilers of course.
To start with the gameplay, the structure of the activities are somewhat different. Tasks like inari shrines and bamboo strikes are scaled down to make way for other missions like wolf dens and bounties. The charms you collect are now upgradable, and the altars you find completely replace the leveling system of the old game. This system makes the player earn their
abilities, instead of grinding to level 100. To add, the mission design for these objectives have deepened, making all of these quests less monotonous.
On top of all of this, the world design is still mostly the same, but has an emphasis on discovery instead of having points of interest handed out to you. You can also go to any region of the map to complete a segment of the story, which grants the player more flexibility.
Then you have the combat, which is gratifying if you are smart and quick enough. This was especially true on lethal difficulty, the toughest option in the game. When I tell you some of these bosses were beating my a--, I mean it. The combat Sucker Punch put together demands you to put time into mastering timing and patience.
I think all the quality of life updates make the game flow more seamlessly.
There wasn’t any point where I felt like exploring Yōtei was a job. Naturally, I collected the platinum of this game, completing every task this game had to offer in just over 70 hours of gametime. Its improved combat is my favorite though. Its balance
of difficulty and finesse is felt through the smooth animations and movement.
The score, sound design, art direction and graphics all combined into a visual and audible feast that made me come back for more.
The story was decent, I guess. Don’t get me wrong, I thought Atsu’s journey to find the Yotei Six and plot revenge on them was well-executed. It just felt flat in some areas, and I thought there were some areas in chapters two and three that left something to be desired. Granted, I do like the theme of finding something more to live for beyond revenge, but the predictability of the plot kills the impact of the story a bit.
If you have interacted with any medium that has the theme of vengeance surrounding it,
whether it is “Kill Bill”, “John Wick”, “The Last of Us Part 2”, or “Sifu”, you already know where this story is going to go. You might love or hate it more than I did, and I think the enjoyment depends on if you like any of the movies or games I mentioned.
Also, the lack of a New Game Plus mode is astounding. The mode is offered at the end if you would want to replay a game and not have to start over. I want to get back into the game one day, and hopefully a later update includes this mode.
I know it won’t be an essential purchase for everybody, and some might want some innovation in a sequel to a celebrated game.
SkillUp has a good review that is greatly detailed, which has insight from someone that plays “all the games.” I might not agree
with most of the critiques, but I acknowledge that this would be something to look for if you need a differing opinion.
Look, if you played “Ghost of Tsushima”, you already know what this is. Your interest in “Ghost of Yōtei” might depend on your enjoyment of its predecessor. If you hated “Ghost of Tsushima”, or wanted Sucker Pucker to change up the formula, this game won’t win you over. If you want more “Ghost of Tsushima”, “Ghost of Yōtei” is everything you will want and more, as this is a much needed face-lift for the foundation that Sucker Punch set five years ago. By that metric, “Ghost of Yōtei” does its job as a sequel, and I highly recommend it if you need another open world game to sink your teeth into.
Jazz and Coffee event unites community with soul
Just ten minutes away from Riverside City College’s campus, Mundial coffee shop hosted jazz duo, The Subtones, for an in-house performance. The Oct. 4 show packed the coffee house, creating a soulful environment for connection among the audience.
Kyle Harris Archie, saxophonist for the duo, is a Riverside local who has played the genre for over ten years and has a strong passion for his music.
He reached out to the coffee shop for a chance to play live and says they have been using the space for a few months now, utilizing the acoustics and laid back vibe the shop offers.
Harris Archie highlights the pros of playing in an intimate setting and having the ability to play what they want without strict time constraints.
“I treat it like it’s a playlist,” he said. “Like you’re at a party, you want to hear the highs and then you’ll want to slow down into the lows.”
The duo exhibited their mastery of crafting this sort of playlist as they bounced off each other with facial cues during the performance. The crowd was receptive to their smooth sounds, many fully engaged with the artists and the
people around them.
Eshita Santosh and Alexis Melchor, two friends in attendance, described the event as a relaxing place to unwind after the kickoff of their junior year at the University of California, Riverside.
“It’s been a busy week, but taking the time to do something we really enjoy and in a place that’s so inclusive is a really good thing,” said Santosh.
Melchor explained that the tranquil music allowed for a space safe to connect with her friend. Others in attendance also noted the diversity in the shop and the individuality a live performance offers. High school senior Kaelyn Abeyta was in the crowd, with her sketchbook and pencil, working
on a live drawing of the scene to include in her college applications.
Abeyta expressed her love for jazz and the strawberry matcha she had in hand as reasons why she came back to the event for a second time. The live performance offered her a different perspective for her drawing.
“I think what’s so interesting is when you get to meet the people and capture their expressions,” Abeyta said. “I love seeing all the different people come by. Especially drawing their outfits, it’s my favorite part.”
This live music event served as an opportunity for connection and inspiration for creativity throughout the audience. The duo offered attendee, Anthony Hernandez, the
mic for an impromptu rendition of the song, “The Very Thought of You.”
The song was a special tribute to Hernandez’s grandmother who was also in attendance.
Hernandez is a jazz percussionist and vocalist himself and says he is always on the hunt for events like this one.
“I think today is something our area needs more of and the kids or young groups around here want to hear this kind of music,” said Hernandez.
The space filled with live music lured in a wide range of people, from high school students to grandmothers. It became a vibrant spot for family friendly outings where there was something to take
from it for everyone.
Monique Mejia, in attendance with her parents and sister, said this was the second time they joined this crowd after hearing about it on Instagram.
“It was a fun idea to bring our parents here,” she said. “We don’t do things like this often, so it’s a different experience for us to all be together.”
The live performance helps to highlight the importance of music and art in our city. Alyssa Cervantes, attendee and RCC freshman, described the event as something to help make more people enthusiastic about music and create a community with the soulful sounds.
“Not a lot of people are into these kinds of things, so I think events like this are good to bring those people together,” said Cervantes.
Community seemed to be the recurring theme for the event. Whether attendees personally knew Harris Archie and came in support or just happened to find themselves in the area, everyone in the shop had a smile on their face and became entranced by the music.
“I feel like it brings unity to the community,” said Ivanamia Cobian, attendee and RCC freshman. “Everyone can come together and enjoy the music, even if they don’t like jazz. It’s a good hangout spot.”
A showcase of the fox Inari shrine, one of the many side activities in Ghost of Yōtei.
COURTESY OF SUCKER PUNCH/SONY
CHELSEA SUGIMURA LIFE REPORTER
LUPITA RIVERA CID| VIEWPOINTS
The crowd at Mundial Coffee cheer for Jazz group, The Subtones, during their performance on Oct. 4.
October 23, 2025
Can Riverside City College aid nurses?
VICTOR LEDBETTER JR. OPINIONS EDITOR
If I am being honest, the shortage of nurses in California is scaring me a bit. If you didn’t know about that, former Los Angeles Times writer Teresa Watanabe detailed the dilemma. In her article “California has a severe nursing shortage. Inside the battle to get more students in schools,” Watanabe detailed the severe shortage of nurses in California.This came along with stress concerns for nursing faculty, as restricted training resources make the problems pile up.
According to Watanabe and the state Board of Registered Nursing, a third of over 58,000 applications by qualified students were accepted by nursing schools in the state in 2022-23.
Many others were turned down nationwide. Watanabe cited the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and stated “nursing
Two nursing students from Mt. San Antonio College practicing on a mannequin. schools turned away nearly 66,000 qualified applications for bachelor’s and graduate nursing programs in 2023.”
What makes this worse is the clinical training slots, and how hard they are to obtain. California law requires those who are practicing nursing to have at least 500 hours of direct patient care to have a grade on what to do in the hospital, according to Watanabe.
Yet the competition for these spots are aggressive.
One source from Watanabe’s article, Paul Creason, simply states, “You have to have these spots or your program is dead in the water.”
Watanabe continued to say that a little more than half of California’s nursing school programs said “their requests for clinical placements were denied in 2022-23, according to the state nursing board.”
If all of this is a lot to take in, I feel your grief. I could never imagine areas in California that are in need of people to care
for them. It feels ridiculous to say, as someone living in the so-called “Freedom Country.”
I mostly pin this on the lack of flexibility that community colleges have in helping nurses pursue their Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Nursing. This would be the path most practicing nurses would have to take to work in a hospital. I can’t imagine the debt and pressure
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look
Fast fashion companies are depreciating designers
MARISSA PEREZ
MANAGING EDITOR
The complex skill of fashion design is being downplayed by the mass production of fast fashion companies.
I previously wrote an article on overconsumption and tied a bit of the fashion aspect to it. However, when I saw a designer put his stress into the internet of fast fashion companies mocking his, work it inspired me to give significance to this tragedy.
“I’m one (of) the world’s biggest fast fashion designer and unfortunately this is happening against my own
will,” said fashion designer Marcelo Gaia in a TikTok Video.
Gaia founded Mirror Palais in 2019, designing pieces in New York. The website states that his inspiration for his designs come from his mother’s closet, his family and his religion. Mirror Palais started as a small business but later rose to the top with leading celebrities wearing his designs.
News outlets like, V Magazine, Teen Vogue and Cosmopolitan all put Gaia on a platform for his designs and the representation of his brand.
“Since I launched in 2019, I’ve had countless styles of mine go viral on social media. Now I work as the unpaid research and development department for countless fast fashion companies,”
said Gaia.
During the Tiktok video posted by Gaia, the background images showed multiple fast fashion companies like House of CB, Oh Polly and others who’ve copied his work. As the video continues he uses a limited edition design as an example that he released on Valentine’s Day. The two- piece set sold out, yet in the universe of fast fashion there was plenty in stock.
The selling report for Mirror Palais showed a total of 35 tops were sold and 18 bottoms of the set were sold.
“I was in shock when I saw it show up on TikTok Shop,” said Gaia. “What I did find shocking was I can see how many of these are sold. As you can see they sold 2,163 sets.”
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As I mentioned in my previous article some people might feel the need to go through the cheap route to obtain the new trend for the month. But fast fashion uses cheap and low quality fabric. Gaia stands for importance on fabric education. He uses high quality silk, sequence and thread.
On the Mirror Palais TikTik account he starts to let his audience in on why prices are so expensive.
“This is a 100% silk, hand beaded bias cut dress that retails for 1,495,” he said in a Tiktok video.
He goes into detail explaining the Beaded Giraffe Bias Lady Length Dress. He highlights the fabric and beads and sequins that have all been sewn by hand.
This dress cost $500 to make so when you factor in the cost of
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Manser Technical theatre, 1st year “Dots.”
COURTSEY OF ADOBE STOCK
An inside
into a designers room featuring a sewing machine, sketches and mockups of clothing.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JAMES BERNAL
Malaya Aguirre Nursing, 1st year “Milky Way.”
Alejandro Tavares Mechanical engineering , 2nd year “Black licorice.”
Joseph Rangel Cosmotology, 2nd yea “Candy Corn.”
Charley
Jeremy Bly Kinesiology 2nd year “Tootsie Roll.”
Halloween shouldn’t be considered ‘the Devil’s birthday’
BRIANA FRANCO MULTIMEDIA REPORTER
Growing up, my family celebrated Halloween every year. My childhood consisted of decorating the house, going to events, and planning my costume all year long anticipating Halloween to come.
As a child, I thought Halloween was fun to celebrate. As I got older, I have seen in the media that some people do not celebrate Halloween because it is advocating for the Devil, especially in Christian centered households.
Most of the Halloween festivities I attended growing up were hosted by my church. For example, the Harvest Festival in the children’s ministry where we could wear costumes, so I find it amusing how people look down on Halloween for being “the Devil’s holiday.”
Recently, an old TikTok by Nicole Weider, who has since deleted her account, surfaced on my feed. She talked about how her family does not celebrate Halloween, but still likes to dress up.
“As Christians we don’t celebrate Halloween but we do like to dress up and have a little fun,” Weider said.
Halloween is all about dressing up and having fun. It is not about
According to Firework, 76 million children in the U.S. participated in Halloween or trick-or-treating in 2022.
playing Ouija boards or worshiping the Devil.
To me any holiday is what you make of it. I understand that there are some evil aspects to it that make people feel uncomfortable, but whether you’re a follower of Christ or not, it is up to you how you celebrate it.
It is important to live your life with discernment. If there are certain aspects of Halloween that do not align with your views, then it is okay to not
be a part of that. It is also important to not be hypocritical as well. To say you don’t celebrate Halloween but still go out in costumes trick or treating is hypocritical.
For example, I love Halloween, but I would never dress up as Satan, an angel, priest, or nun. I do not go out and participate in Devil worshiping to celebrate the “spooky season.” I enjoy dressing up, carving pumpkins and seeing kids trick or treating.
For me, that is where I control what Halloween is going to mean to me.
You have to take control of your life and not let certain factors dictate your life. If Halloween is the Devil’s holiday, then why do we go to pumpkin patches, drink pumpkin spice lattes, wear cute costumes, and take our children out trick or treating?
If that was the case then are we celebrating the Devil? No.
We are enjoying the fall season. There are ways of celebrating Halloween with a Christian perspective. Why call it the “Devil’s birthday?” This is a harmful statement , as it takes away from the community of “Trunk or Treating” or “Harvest Festivals” celebrating that occasion. It is evident that the host of these events are trying to make Halloween fun and positive while serving the Lord.
COURTESY OF ADOBE STOCK
E ditorial
Consumers
Overconsumption: A trick or treat?
As October comes to an end, the holidays that follow lead to another holiday season that will be overshadowed by the act of consuming.
Halloween is not as fun because it has become entangled in expensive costumes, tickets to haunted mazes and Instagram influencer culture. For a lot of people, they love to go to pumpkin patches, go through scary mazes and buy expensive costumes to only wear one time. Halloween has become a competition to see who has the best costume instead of just enjoying the holiday with your friends and family.
This experience reflects many of us thinking Halloween has changed from being a spooky holiday to just a holiday of overconsumption and social media showcasing.
However, the critique of consumer culture is not simply about price tags. For some, holiday consumerism is one of the few instances of opportunity over the course of the year. It can be a chance to buy a few things that are unaffordable throughout the year. For instance buying a business suit to wear to job interviews and buying a full
set of cosmetics can be used to look good for the whole year. This reminds us that the problem is not consumption itself but consumption as it is structured, most of the waste of materials are dumped by companies for the products they don’t sell. Individual consumers do not contribute to that kind of waste.
There is also growing disapointment in expressing not only Halloween but all holidays.
Everything feels like another day in which all corporations are attempting to extract as much money as they can from our pockets.
Recollections of trick-or-treating with a pillowcase filled with sweets is a world away from spending over $100 dollars on treats, only to now sit on an empty porch.
A shared wish to celebrate what Halloween was really about getting together with the ones you love and celebrating horror through its monsters and stories. Why is the candy only on sale once Halloween is over?
Capitalism has transformed the character of holidays, particularly those based on faith as well. The contemporary world has redirected reverential observance from a more
Christ-centered focus to a consumptive monopoly. Christmas is centered around shopping and sales and even Halloween; A holiday with origins grounded in tradition appears to have changed to more about decorating and candy sales than about tradition. Losing this aspect of the holidays feels more personal than as spiritual. What happened to time with family? Carving pumpkins, baking cookies, or even just sitting around—those are the things that made the holiday special.
These concerns push the critique even further. Capitalism does not merely influence holidays, it more so infects them. It turns everything into a transaction. We start with Halloween and then it never seems to stop until after Black Friday and finally the Christmas and end-of-year festivities. We hope for something better, so holidays could be dedicated to a practice of putting the filter of consumption aside. Maybe Halloween is simply walking through the neighborhood and ensuring every child receives a treat instead of the best costume. Perhaps that is Halloween we should fight back to restore.
Corrections Advertise with us in print
Sept. 25, 2025 Issue: Volume 104, Issue 2
The photo on page 9 of the Sept. 25 issue referencing Charlie Kirk at the 2025 Student Action Summit is courtesy of GoLocalProv.com, not Wikipedia.
Sept. 25, 2025 Issue: Volume 104, Issue 2
An advertisment for “The Highlight Reel” claimed to be a “RCC” podcast. However, the podcast is associated only with Viewpoints.
Sept. 25, 2025 Issue: Volume 104, Issue 2
A cutline for a story claimed to have attributed nametags for an ASRCC meeting, however the photo was taken during a Riverside City College Academic Senate meeting.
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Turf monster: Is the surface to blame?
AIDEN MEDINA ASST. MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
Falling to the ground, you clutch your knee, rolling over, scanning your immediate surroundings.
The nearest player to you is about 10 yards away. You wonder who maybe tripped you and even look for anything on the field you rolled up on.
You rest your head back and slowly begin to realize that you never tripped over anyone, no one accidentally ran into you. No, this was the result of the seemingly inevitable “turf monster.”
At the surface, it’s very easy to point all these issues to synthetic turf and even hybrid turf (synthetic and natural grass mixes). Yet, when you really study these injuries and watch how most occur, the answer becomes clearer. Non-contact injuries, both on grass and artificial turf, are bound to happen, with artificial turf not helping much.
A study conducted by the University of Michigan’s Biomechanical Engineering manager, Michele Santillan, in 2019, lays out how ligament and tendon injuries develop and occur over time from being stressed throughout a player’s career. Santillan explains, “These ‘noncontact’ injuries often come as athletes make moves they’ve made hundreds of times before.”
Myself and several athletes who have experienced non-contact
injuries can find the repeating theme that most of these injuries occurred while making a pretty routine move whether it be running, backpedaling or taking off to make a play they’ve maybe made a thousand times before.While it’s shown that these injuries can happen to any athlete at any time, that doesn’t mean the surface they play on doesn’t have any effect.
Artificial and hybrid turf comes in many forms, but usually follows the same formula, a base of rock and synthetic carpet or mesh, which also covers the drainage system. From that synthetic mesh or carpet come the blades of grass, usually made of nylon, polypropylene, or polyethylene and have an infill of sand and rubber crumbs. The immediate benefit yet downside of these materials is the increased friction. More friction makes it harder for athletes to slip which not only leads to faster play but could lead to more entertaining plays that either could’ve been slip and missed tackles.
Player Association (NFLPA) has made strong arguments against turf, saying that despite League officials’ words claiming turf to be safe and an even better alternative to natural grass, players, current and retired alike, all have disdain for the artificial surfaces. Former nine-year NFL center and former NFLPA president Joseph Carl Tretter Jr. (2020-2024) found that as a rookie, he began to hear and
These ‘non-contact’ injuries often come as athletes make moves they’ve made hundreds of times before. ”
- Michele Santillan
witness the differing opinions on grass and artificial turf from the veterans at the time stating, “I played almost exclusively on synthetic turf in college.
smaller injuries or inconveniences. What are some ways athletes can not only take care of their bodies but also prevent future damage? Diet changes.
Having a balanced and strengthening diet has been a point of stress that is seemingly buried away, as athletes and fans alike simply want to focus on the issue of turf. An article by San Diego Orthobiologics Medical Group highlighting joint nutrition explains the stages our tendons and ligaments go through after physical activity and injury, with swelling or inflammation, proliferation which is the rebuilding of the injured tissue, and the final stage, remodeling, which is the longest period of healing where tendons slowly begin to regain strength and function.
RCC men’s basketball team shows immense potential in opening scrimmage
Riverside City College men’s basketball team loses in their first scrimmage against Southwestern College 76-74.
RCC started off the game by taking a five-point lead. The Tigers capitalized by gaining a 12-3 lead. Defensively, the Tigers forced multiple turnovers and blocked many shots.
As the first half progressed, the Jaguars gained momentum and started scoring, before a timeout was called, trailing behind the Tigers 19-14.
After the timeout, the Tigers stayed ahead, but the Jaguars kept trailing right behind and eventually took a 28 -26 lead.
The Jaguars maintained their lead over the Tigers, as they would finish the first half with a score of 40–31.
The second half began with the Tigers slowly chipping away at the Jaguars’ lead. After multiple scores from the Jaguars and an alley-oop, a timeout would be called with the Jaguars leading the Tigers 51-39.
Following a Tiger timeout, the Tigers came back with a newfound energy and scored multiple times, trailing the Jaguars 55-52 before forcing the Jaguars to call a timeout. The Tigers continued to score after the timeout and briefly took a one-point lead after an alley-oop.
“When we stick to the game plan, we look really well, so then once we got right back to that, we cut the lead right back down and we made it a good game,” head coach Andre Wilson said.
The downside to the increased friction is situations where athletes would usually stumble and fall. With the added friction, cleats bite into the turf and freeze the foot and leg in place while the rest of the body moves, leading to severe injury in most cases.
While the issue of these injuries are seen throughout all field sports, it’s the most well-documented and most noticed in American football, specifically in the National Football League (NFL).
The National Football League
Once I started experiencing both surfaces interchangeably, I began to understand exactly why my teammates disliked the practices on turf,” He further explains that it’s an unneeded added risk putting players’ bodies through even more pain and harm despite the already physical and aggressive game they play. His words are in line with other accounts and ring around not only the NFL, but in all college and high school sports alike.
As artificial turf becomes the standard, athletes are now met with the challenge to adapt how they look after and care for their bodies for the new toll added from artificial turf. Stiffness and shin splints seem to be common as
The article highlights avoiding processed foods and fried food, focusing on a greener diet of vegetables and fruits, along with teas and healthy fats like avocado or olive oil, even suggesting bone broths, making sure to acknowledge staying extremely hydrated.
The issue will always be complicated for as long as the league pushes away attention from mandating surfaces along with players only looking to change surfaces instead of also adapting for the risk.
Why should they have to fear being physically affected by conditions they can’t control? Now while the use of turf is unlikely to stop being adopted anytime soon, the change to turf should be voiced against as it brings new and still unmeasured risks in some cases to athletes who already have so much physically to be worried about.
The rest of the half, both teams traded the lead multiple times in a very competitive second half, but the Jaguars ended up on top, winning the scrimmage.
“It’s never gonna be easy, so you just have to keep working, patch your mistakes and keep playing.” guard Tylon Williams said.
Although the Tigers lost, they demonstrated considerable potential for the upcoming season. This scrimmage also marked the first game for the new head coach. Wilson and his team showed immense potential moving forward.
“We got brand new teammates, a brand new coach. We all come together as a team.” guard Kollen Murphy said.
They’ll play their final scrimmage at home against Palomar College at 11 a.m. on Oct. 25 before the regular season begins at the Ventura Tournament.
LENNON ALVAREZ SPORTS REPORTER
Riverside City College athletic trainer tending to an athlete (2024-2025 Season).
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Riverside Details Vision for the New Sports Complex
approximately 100 EV charging stations will be added.
expressed. “I wanted us to build something special here.”
The City of Riverside hosted a community meeting on, Oct. 18, at the Springhouse Clubhouse to discuss plans for a new $750 million 56-acre sports and entertainment district.
It would redevelop the former AB Brown Sports complex into a hub for sports, housing and local businesses.
It features a 5,005-seat stadium expandable to 15,000 seats for soccer, rugby, football, and lacrosse.
A 108-room hotel and an indoor-outdoor venue for concerts and festivals. It also includes a 130,000 square foot sports complex.
The plan also includes multisport fields, 1,100 residential units, including 25 percent affordable units and 193,000 square feet of retail space for shopping and dining.
A central park and a dedicated dog park for community enjoyment, 3,498 parking stalls along with
The project is being developed by GCS Development, a real estate and construction company that specializes in large-scale residential, commercial and mixeduse projects.
Their goal is to deliver developments that inspire connection, spark economic growth and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
GCS Development was founded by Gregory Scott Jr. Scott is the project sponsor and visionary.
He is a successful entrepreneur with a proven track record of identifying opportunities, creating strategic partnerships and building profitable businesses.
The GCS Development team stated that the complex would provide Riverside residents with more opportunities to enjoy major sporting events, concerts and community gatherings without the need for long drives to other cities.
“This was an opportunity for us to really see what we can do with the city of Riverside,” Scott
The proposed development could create a sense of local pride and convenience by bringing entertainment, recreation and business opportunities closer to their home.
They want it to feel truly connected to Riverside, something that adds value to its residents.
As part of the project, Riverside is also expected to welcome a new professional soccer team through the United Soccer League. It’s professional men’s and women’s, and the team as of right now are known as Riverside Pro Soccer.
This new stadium will host their home games, making it the first professional sports team in the city.
The USL began in 1986 as a men’s indoor soccer minor league, before branching out into outdoor soccer in 1989.
USL men’s soccer team can go from USL League One to the USL Championship through a new promotion and relegation system.
At the end of each season, the top teams from League One will
be promoted to the Championship, while the bottom teams from the Championship will be relegated to League One.
This system will become fully implemented across all USL leagues to directly link performance in each tier.
“We are committed to developing a club that reflects the spirit of Riverside while building a destination for sports and entertainment that generates economic opportunity, attracts visitors and sparks civic pride,” Scott said.
They’ll also have a youth academy that will help train young players to develop their soccer skills in a more structured and competitive environment.
“We’ll have a fully integrated pathway to pro, so we have one on the field and then we have a pathway to pro off the field,” Scott said.
Should everything go well next August 2026, the complex is going to start construction, with the hope that the stadium will be completed by fall 2027.
Tigers dominate with a perpetual offensive showcase
Tigers overcome a late deficit to defeat Chaffey College 41-27 on Oct. 9.
ETHAN AGUILERA
SPORTS EDITOR
Riverside City College, led by its hard charging backfield, bulldozed its way to another win Saturday afternoon.
Behind a perpetual rushing attack led by sophomore Marquis Monroe and freshman Kayvion
Sibley, both of whom surpassed 100 rushing yards. The No. 15 Tigers overpowered No. 4 Southwestern College 69-42.
Freshman quarterback Bryan Wilson rushed for an 11-yard touchdown on the first drive of the game, beginning the Tigers’ first quarter with a bang.
After scoring on the opening
drive, Riverside added two more touchdowns before Panthers’ quarterback, Ty McCutchon, tossed a 16-yard touchdown pass to end the first quarter.
The Tigers immediately responded with a 25-yard touchdown catch from freshman tight end Hector Garcia, ending the quarter 28-7.
Momentum evened out in the second quarter, Riverside and Southwestern matching each other score for score, with each adding 14 points heading into halftime, up 42-21.
Riverside dominated the final quarter. They held the Panthers to zero points while adding 10 points of their own to win the game 69-42.
“We out-physicalled them, we shut them down,” head coach Kevin Craft said. “It was a game that we kind of knew the way it was going to go.”
Craft pointed to his offensive line as a driving force behind the Tigers’ offensive outburst, crediting their physical play and communication on the field.
The Tigers outgained the Panthers on the ground 380 to 193 in rushing yards.
Monroe ran for 126 yards and two touchdowns, and Sibley ran for 167 yards and one touchdown. This is Sibley’s fourth game rushing over 100 yards. He continues to show he’s one of the
best running backs in the Southern California Football Association.
“Marquise and Kayvion are special players,” Craft said. “Kayvion did some things today and had some rushes that were really incredible.”
Wide Receiver Dominic Cox hauled in nine passes for 89 yards, bringing his season total to 849 receiving yards. Cox leads the Southern California Football Association in receiving yards.
Wilson had a career game. He went on to complete 26 of his 30 passes, throwing for 317 yards and three touchdowns.
He topped that with nine carries for 79 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
“He had an incredible game; he’s definitely our player of the game.” Craft said.
With the win, Riverside earned its third victory in a row, pushing its record to 5-2 on the year.
The Tigers will look to keep their momentum going when they face off against Mt. San Jacinto at home on Oct. 25.
ETHAN AGUILERA SPORTS EDITOR
RYAN POPE | VIEWPOINTS
Aerial View of the proposed Riverside stadium coming in August 2027.
Riverside City Manager Mike Futrell talking at the Riverside Sports Complex & Entertainment District meeting.
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COURTESY OF LARRY MOWREY